The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced a unique funding opportunity for organisations to undertake a comprehensive mapping and foresight study on constraints, opportunities, and reforms for inclusive job creation in Kenya. This research initiative aims to generate actionable evidence that will inform policy and programming under the Growth pillar of the 2025–2030 Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership and the Kenya Country Business Plan. Organisations with expertise in labour markets, skills development, private sector growth, and inclusive economic policies are invited to submit proposals to support Kenya’s employment and economic growth agenda.
This FCDO-funded initiative provides an exceptional opportunity for NGOs, educational institutions, and development-focused organisations to contribute to transformative interventions in skills alignment, green industrialisation, and formal job creation in Kenya.
Background: Why This Study Matters
Inclusive job creation remains a central challenge for Kenya’s economy. The FCDO’s initiative will strengthen the UK’s role as a trusted partner in Kenya by producing high-quality insights to guide labour market reforms, skills development strategies, and private sector job creation policies.
The study will focus on diagnosing labour market dynamics, assessing institutional effectiveness, and identifying sector-specific opportunities in ICT, manufacturing, agro-processing, and the digital economy. By producing practical recommendations and evidence-based strategies, the study will support the Kenyan government, FCDO, development partners, and private sector stakeholders in promoting sustainable, inclusive employment across high-growth sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
Organisations eligible to apply for this funding include:
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Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
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UK-based non-profit organisations
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Educational institutions
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Humanitarian relief organisations
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Organisations based in Low to Middle Income Countries (LMICs)
The initiative encourages applications from organisations with strong research capacity, proven experience in labour market analysis, and expertise in economic empowerment, livelihoods, and technology-driven interventions.
Funding and Value
The FCDO funding range for this project is £10,001 to £100,000, providing organisations with sufficient resources to deliver high-quality, actionable research outputs. Funding can cover research costs, technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and reporting requirements.
Program Details
The study is structured to deliver robust, evidence-based recommendations on labour market reforms and inclusive job creation. Key components include:
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Labour Market Diagnostics: Examine structural features, informality, wage trends, productivity patterns, and institutional constraints.
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Skills Alignment Analysis: Assess the interface between employers and education providers, with a focus on ICT, manufacturing, agro-processing, and the digital economy.
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Policy and Institutional Evaluation: Identify at least five priority reforms, including regulatory, fiscal, skills, and incentive measures, with practical implementation considerations.
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Sector-Specific Strategies: Develop actionable strategies to accelerate formal employment and inclusion in at least three high-growth sectors.
This research will directly contribute to FCDO’s priorities on economic growth, science, and technology, while generating insights to support green industrialisation and private sector development.
How to Apply
Organisations interested in this opportunity must submit their technical and commercial proposals via email to:
ke_evidencefundeastafrica@pwc.com
All proposals must be received by 11:59 PM East African Time (EAT) on 16 January 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Applications must include the following documents:
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Volume 1: Invitation to tender instructions and evaluation criteria
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Volume 2: Terms of reference
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Volume 3: Application form
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Volume 4: Commercial pro formas
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Volume 5.1–5.5: Contract sections, including terms and schedule of prices
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Volume 6: Evidence Fund conflict of interest and safeguarding policies
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Volume 7: Letter and declaration to accompany tenders
For any queries regarding the application process, organisations can contact the Procurement Manager at the same email: ke_evidencefundeastafrica@pwc.com.
Important Dates
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Publication Date: 15 December 2025
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Application Deadline: 16 January 2026, 11:59 PM EAT
Organisations are encouraged to prepare submissions well in advance to ensure compliance with all tender requirements.
The Mapping Constraints, Opportunities and Reforms for Inclusive Job Creation in Kenya initiative represents a strategic research opportunity funded by the FCDO. It is designed to produce actionable evidence, support high-impact interventions in skills and green industrialisation, and guide labour market and private sector reforms. Eligible organisations are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to shaping inclusive employment policies that will benefit Kenya’s economic growth and social development.
Apply Here
